Newcastle United have released a statement expressing how the club was “embarrassed and appalled” by the disturbances which followed yesterday’s 3-0 defeat to bitter rivals Sunderland.

They went on to promise lifetime bans on any individuals found gui8lty of being involved in the trouble, “will take the strongest possible action against those involved in the disturbances and will impose immediate lifetime bans on all those found guilty.”

The club have distanced themselves from the trouble makers, saying: “These deplorable individuals have no place at Newcastle United and bring shame on the Club and the vast majority of its proper, law-abiding, fans.”

Trouble flared following a 3-0 win for Sunderland at St. James’ Park. Twenty nine arrests were made.

Newcastle United statement in full:

We were embarrassed and appalled by the behaviour of a minority of so-called fans who last night were involved in disturbances and disorder in Newcastle city centre after the match.

Newcastle United have been working with Northumbria Police, and will continue to do so, in order to identify all of the individuals concerned.

The Club will take the strongest possible action against those involved in the disturbances and will impose immediate lifetime bans on all those found guilty.

These deplorable individuals have no place at Newcastle United and bring shame on the Club and the vast majority of its proper, law-abiding, fans.